I met with @anniehubbs yesterday for a portrait session. We talked about Atlantic City, photography and what those topics mean to us. It’s been a while since I’ve felt comfortable in front of someone else’s camera but she definitely was a pleasure to work with. Thanks again for the amazing photos!

7 Days, 11 state forests later and I ended my week with a little rain in Norvin Green State Forest. Thank you @jerseycollective for letting me share what I love about New Jersey and the work I'm doing documenting our state's forest (and park) system. I hope this inspires everyone to visit at least one of these incredible green spaces and make sure to follow @newjerseystateparks to learn more about our state parks, forests and historic sites. This is @ryann.casey for @jerseycollective.
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Established in 1946, Norvin Green State Forest (part of the Wyanokie Wilderness Area) has 5,416 acres of undisturbed forest area and is accessible only by foot. The extensive trails throughout the forest (with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,300 feet) are made up of old logging roads and newly constructed trails. These trails provide views of the New York skyline, Burnt Meadow Brook, Wanaque Reservoir and Lake Sonoma as well as a variety of opportunities for wildlife viewing. Also worth noting, Highlands Natural Pool (a stream-fed non-chemically treated swimming pond) is adjacent to the forest and is open to the public from May through September. Thanks again everyone!
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Hewitt-Butler Trail, Norvin Green State Forest, New Jersey.

I took this image during the Eagles Parade and watching these two individuals' interactions motivated me to go deeper into my current project - creating care packages to give to the homeless.
I've been collecting toiletries, food, feminine products and cold weather gear for a few weeks now. The amount of donations I've received from the community is so humbling and makes me so proud of the place I've adopted as my home.
I am still collecting items for the homeless and would love for you to help! Please mess me if interested. I'm collecting the following items: ⚫travel/trial sized toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, and shaving cream) ⚫non perishable snacks ⚫cold weather gear (hats, and gloves) ⚫socks ⚫feminine products ⚫dental care (toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss and mouth wash

Worthington State Forest was established in 1954 and was named after the American industrialist Charles Campbell Worthington, who had previously owned 8,000 acres of land on both sides of the Delaware (some of which became the forest) which he originally used as a hunting reserve. The forest sits inside the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and features Mount Tammany, Kittatinny Mountain (which has the highest elevation in NJ at 1,803 feet), a portion of the Appalachian Trail, a wild trout stream called Dunnfield Natural Area as well as Sunfish Pond Natural Area (which includes a glacial lake surrounded by a chestnut oak forest). Old Mine Road also runs through the forest (along the Delaware) and is said to be one of the oldest continuously used roads in the US. This is @ryann.casey for @jerseycollective.
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Old Mine Road, Worthington State Forest, New Jersey.

Slow down ✋It’s the weekend! Check out this Red Tail setting a speed trap. Likely for field mice, but nonetheless the view is worth a brake check. 📸: @hkoehler76
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Tag @bernardsville.nj in your photos to be featured 🙌

A sunset snapshot of the commercial fishing building in Belford, New Jersey. 🌞📸 credit to the fantastic @morris2555 for tagging us! If you think you take great photos of places in Monmouth County, tag #TheJournalNJ @thejournalnj to be featured on our page/magazine! #TheJournalNJ

A week of bad weather has taken its toll over the last few days. Although I was able to get to Abram S. Hewitt State Forest and Ramapo Mountain State Forest, from weather to limited hours, hiking through to some of the more scenic areas proved challenging. Even though I couldn’t access the locations I wanted, I tried to focus on the smaller parts of the forests and take the time to research a bit more on the background of both sites. I started my day at Abram S. Hewitt State Forest, a 2000+ acre Northeastern coastal forest established in 1951, which is only accessible by foot. The forest was named after the NYC major (he’s often called the “Father of the New York City Subway System”), U.S. congressman, teacher, lawyer and iron manufacturer Abram S. Hewitt. The forest includes upland swamps, glacially carved ridges, rocky outcrops and a portion of the Appalachian Trail. After that, I headed towards Ramapo Mountain State Forest, a 4,200 acre forest given to the state in 1976 by the estate of Oakland Mayor Clifford MacEvoy (known mostly as a contractor of public works). From the 1920s till his death, MacEvoy built structures still accessible today such as the Ryecliff Estate (currently a private residence) and a stone enclosed water tower. The forest also borders Ramapo Mountain Reservation and offers views of the New York City skyline along with excellent wildlife viewing. Notable sites include the Ramapo Lake Natural Area and the Van Slyke Castle Ruins. This is @ryann.casey for @jerseycollective.
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Todd Trail, Ramapo Mountain State Forest, New Jersey / Bearfort Ridge Trail, Abram S. Hewitt State Forest, New Jersey.